Apple body shape · Outfits
Apple Body Shape Outfits
The most flattering apple body shape outfits don’t try to hide the middle under layers of loose fabric. They create long vertical lines, open up the neckline and show off the legs, which most apple shapes have in their favour. Here are 17 complete outfits for women, covering casual days, work, nights out, summer, winter and dressing over 50.
The apple shape outfit formula
An apple shaped body carries more width through the middle, with a waist that’s close in size to the bust and hips, and usually slimmer arms and legs. The best outfits for apple body shape balance the middle by drawing the eye up and down instead of across. All the apple shape body outfits on this page follow three rules:
Not sure you’re an apple? Check your measurements on the apple body shape guide, which also lists the best individual tops, jeans and dresses.
Casual apple body shape outfits
For everyday wear, swap tight tees for V-neck tops that skim the tummy, and add an open layer.
V-neck tunic + slim jeans
- Teal V-neck tunic that skims the tummy
- Dark slim straight jeans
- Loafers or white trainers
A tunic falls straight past the middle, and slim jeans show off your legs.
Open cardigan + tee
- White V-neck T-shirt, untucked
- Long camel cardigan worn open
- Dark straight jeans, ankle boots
The open layer draws two long vertical lines down the body.
Shirt dress
- Chambray shirt dress, unbelted
- Top buttons open in a V
- Knee length, flat sandals
Falls straight from the shoulders without clinging to the middle.
Office outfits for an apple shape body
Longline blazers worn open are the backbone of apple workwear. Pair them with straight trousers or a simple shift dress.
Longline blazer + V-neck shell
- Navy longline blazer worn open
- Cream V-neck shell top
- Charcoal straight trousers, pumps
An unbuttoned longline blazer is the most slimming layer for an apple shape.
Shift dress with sleeves
- V-neck shift dress, 3/4 sleeves
- Straight cut, knee length
- Pointed heels
Skims the waist instead of gripping it, and the neckline lengthens the torso.
Wrap top + wide-leg trousers
- Wrap top that ties at the side
- Black wide-leg, flat-front trousers
- Block heels
The wrap makes a deep V and a diagonal line across the middle.
Date night and party outfits
Empire waists, wrap fronts and one-colour looks make evening outfits easy.
Empire-waist maxi dress
- Empire-waist dress with a V-neck
- Seam just under the bust
- Strappy heels
The waistline sits above the tummy, so the skirt flows straight over it.
Cami + open kimono
- Black silky cami
- Long printed kimono, open
- Black slim trousers, heels
One dark column underneath, framed by the open kimono.
V-neck jumpsuit
- Wrap-front jumpsuit in a soft fabric
- Wide legs
- Platform sandals, long necklace
One colour from shoulder to floor makes a long, unbroken line.
Summer outfits for apple body shape
Light, breathable fabrics that drape away from the body work best in summer. This is also the season to show your arms and legs.
Empire sundress
- Empire-waist sundress, wide straps
- A-line skirt above the knee
- Flat sandals
Shows your legs and arms while the skirt floats over the middle.
Linen tunic + shorts
- Loose white linen tunic
- Navy mid-length shorts
- Espadrilles
Linen stays cool and drapes away from the tummy.
Maxi kaftan
- Light kaftan dress with a V-neck
- Flowing straight shape
- Slide sandals, straw hat
Loose but not boxy, so it is comfortable in heat and still flattering.
Apple body shape winter outfits
Choose fine knits over chunky ones, and keep coats and cardigans open or flared rather than belted at the middle.
Long cardigan + V-neck knit
- Fine-knit V-neck sweater
- Long open cardigan
- Dark jeans, knee boots
Long open layers keep the line vertical even in thick knits.
Swing coat + slim trousers
- Camel swing or A-line coat
- Black slim trousers
- Ankle boots
Swing coats flare from the shoulders and skim the middle.
V-neck sweater dress
- Straight-cut V-neck sweater dress
- Opaque tights
- Knee-high boots
Show your legs in winter with tights and boots.
Apple body shape outfits for women over 50
Many women become more apple shaped after menopause, as weight shifts towards the middle. The formula doesn’t change, but comfort and fabric matter more: soft jersey and fine knits, flat-front trousers with a smooth waistband, and dresses with sleeves.
Tunic + slim trousers
- Soft V-neck tunic in a fine knit
- Navy slim trousers with a flat front
- Loafers, long pendant necklace
Easy to wear every day, and the long necklace adds another vertical line.
Wrap midi dress + duster
- Jersey wrap midi dress
- Light duster coat, worn open
- Low block heels
A wrap dress with an open duster works for lunches, events and weddings.
Petite and plus size apple body shape outfits
Petite and short apple body shape outfits
- Keep tunics and tops ending at the hip; longer ones can shorten your legs.
- Wear one colour from top to toe, or match trousers to shoes.
- Choose cropped or hip-length jackets instead of long dusters.
- Pick hems at or just above the knee for dresses and skirts.
Plus size apple body shape outfits
- Wrap tops and wrap dresses give shape without clinging.
- Empire-waist styles create a waistline above the tummy.
- Structured fabrics like ponte hold their shape better than thin jersey.
- Straight or bootcut jeans with a flat front and stretch waistband are the most comfortable.
Apple outfit mistakes to avoid
- Very oversized, boxy clothes, which make the whole body look bigger instead of hiding the middle.
- Tight belts at the natural waist, which draw attention to the widest part.
- Cropped tops and low-rise jeans that cut across the tummy.
- Clingy, thin fabrics around the middle, and big prints or pockets at the stomach.
For other shapes, see how to dress for your body type, the pear and the hourglass outfit guides.
Frequently asked questions
Which dress is best for an apple-shaped body?
Empire-waist, wrap, shift and A-line dresses are best for an apple shape. Empire and wrap dresses create a waist above or across the tummy, while shift and A-line dresses skim the middle instead of clinging. Choose a V-neckline and a hem at or just above the knee to show your legs.
How to slim an apple-shaped body?
With clothes, you can look slimmer straight away: V-necklines, open longline layers, one-colour outfits and fabrics that skim rather than cling all draw the eye up and down instead of across the middle. To actually reduce fat around the waist, there’s no way to spot-reduce it; regular activity, strength training and overall eating habits are what change waist size over time.